One of the greatest successes in 2020 was our ability to connect individuals and families impacted by COVID-19 through the launch of United Way of the Mid-South’s Relief Call Center, powered by Driving The Dream. In this unprecedented time, our United Way felt compelled to support the general public by actually helping to connect callers to essential services, and by providing follow-up to ensure those connections were made. 

The Relief Call Center was created to address the surge in demand for services in our community, and as a support to the City’s 2-1-1 program.

Launched in April 2020, the Relief Call Center puts callers in contact with multiple partner agencies and employment resources without individuals having to repeat the circumstances for the call.

During the first six weeks, we received 259 calls from individuals and families who needed help with food, housing, income, and healthcare.  During the following six months, the Relief Call Center fielded calls from more 2,500 individuals and families who were seeking help with utility bills, employment housing and food. Starting Monday, February 8, the Relief Call Center will be supported through the Memphis Crisis Center.